The American Badger (Taxidea taxus) is a stocky, medium-sized mammal. Description Badgers are carnivorous animals that belong to the weasel family. Fossorial by nature, badgers spend much of their time digging burrows to locate prey and to construct the underground dens where they live. Their short, stocky legs and long, prominent claws are perfectly suited for this type of lifestyle. The digging and burrowing behavior of badgers, however, causes problems when it results in property damage. In the United States, the American badger is the predominant species. Appearance Fairly easy to identify, American badgers have a triangular face with a distinctive black and white pattern, which includes a black patch on each cheek and a characteristic white stripe that extends from the nose to the back of the head. Their bodies are flat and stocky, supported by four black feet, and covered with shaggy, silver-gray fur. Badgers can weigh up to 30 pounds (13.5 kg) but average about 19 pounds (8.6 kg) for males and 14 pounds (6.3 kg) for females. Habitat Widely distributed in the contiguous United States, American badgers are found from the Great Lakes states to the Ohio Valley and westward through the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast. They live at elevations of up to 12,000 feet (3,600 m) and have steadily expanded their range eastward over the past century or so. Badgers prefer to live in open areas with light to moderate cover, such as pastures, rangelands, deserts, alpine meadows and woodland edges inhabited by burrowing rodents. Conversely, they are seldom found in areas with many trees. Entry Are badgers known to enter homes or yards? While badgers are not usually known to enter homes, they will burrow in yards and gardens in search of food and shelter. Their burrowing habits can cause significant damage to lawns and even result in the erosion of structural supports. Badgers also have a history of raiding poultry barns. Damage Do badgers harm people or property? Most badger damage occurs as the pests dig in pursuit of prey. The open burrows they leave behind create a hazard to livestock and horseback riders. Badgers digging in crop fields may also slow harvesting or cause damage to farm equipment. Furthermore, their digging and burrowing can have an adverse effect on earthen dams or dikes and irrigation canals, which results in flooding and the loss of irrigation water. When badgers dig on the shoulder of the road, it can lead to erosion and the collapse of the street surface. Control and Safety Badgers are not typically dangerous, though they have a reputation for defending themselves aggressively and fearlessly against predators. If a badger infestation occurs on your property or near your home, contact your local Critter Control office to set up a service appointment. Before the pest control technician arrives, walk around the exterior of the home and try to locate the entry or exit holes of the badger burrows, as this will be helpful for removal. Trapping and Removal Critter Control technicians are Certified Wildlife Specialists, with the knowledge and tools to get rid of your badger problem. Our technicians practice humane badger removal techniques that ensure the safe capture and release of the pests. Critter Control badger specialists are trained in badger identification, badger removal, badger trapping, badger control, and badger prevention. We can help you get rid of badger problems. Call today: 1.800.274.8837.